Cargo Theft Risk at Record Highs Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, Verisk Warns

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, freight security risks are climbing to unprecedented levels across the United States. Verisk’s CargoNet division reports that cargo theft incidents have already surged to all-time highs in 2025, with monthly reports averaging 338—more than double the historical norm of 136 incidents.

New analysis from Verisk CargoNet, released May 21, points to a persistent trend of increased theft during major U.S. holiday weekends. Memorial Day in particular has become a favored window for organized theft rings, with loaded trailers often left unattended while businesses close for extended periods.

Five-Year Trend Highlights Memorial Day Vulnerability

CargoNet examined 159 theft events from the Thursday before Memorial Day through the following Wednesday over a five-year period. The data shows a steady uptick:

• 2020: 35 incidents
• 2021: 28 incidents
• 2023: 41 incidents
• 2024: 39 incidents

“With 2025 already setting monthly records, the trend heading into this holiday is deeply concerning,” said Keith Lewis, Vice President of Operations at Verisk CargoNet. “Criminal groups are exploiting weak points in the logistics chain with growing precision.”

Targeted Commodities Shift with Market Trends

Cargo thieves have adapted their focus to high-demand and high-value commodities, including:

• Copper
• Vehicle accessories
• Energy drinks
• Alcoholic beverages
• Footwear
• Meat products

Lewis noted that these goods are being selectively targeted based on shifts in consumer demand and market value.

High-Risk Locations and Organized Theft Networks

The geographic distribution of 2025 cargo thefts shows increased concentration around major logistics corridors:

• Southern California remains the top hotspot, with San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties leading in reported thefts.
• Dallas County, Texas, continues to rank among the highest-risk areas.
• The Chicago and Phoenix metro regions have also seen a spike in criminal activity.

“These are not isolated thefts,” said Lewis. “We’re dealing with organized operations that understand the flow of goods and vulnerabilities in the system.”

Security Recommendations for Carriers and Shippers

Verisk is urging logistics providers and carriers to implement enhanced security protocols ahead of the holiday weekend. Suggested steps include:

• Avoiding unsecured parking
• Minimizing dwell time for loaded trailers
• Ensuring all security and GPS systems are functional
• Conducting security briefings with drivers and staff
• Using high-security locks and layered theft-prevention measures
• Reporting suspicious activity immediately

“The combination of a high-theft environment and a long holiday weekend represents a serious threat to freight operators,” Lewis said. “Taking proactive steps now can make a significant difference in reducing exposure.”

Source: Verisk